When Jake Brunger’s provocative comedy Four Play returns to London this July, it does so with a fresh cast, a sharper lens on queer relationships, and a whole lot of heart. Ahead of the revival at the King’s Head Theatre, we sat down with two of its stars—Lewis Cornay and Jo Foster—to talk about intimacy, rhythm, and the joy of working in an all-queer cast.
For both actors, the journey into theatre began early. “I was a little attention-seeking child,” Jo Foster recalls. “I was bullied quite a bit, and I think my parents could tell I was always singing or dancing. They got me into am-dram up north, and I just fell in love with the community. It was the first time I really felt safe.”
Lewis Cornay’s path was similarly serendipitous. “I wasn’t playing football or doing the usual stuff, so my parents sent me to a Saturday drama club. The head of that club found out about open auditions for Mary Poppins in the West End, and I ended up performing professionally from the age of 10. I peaked at 11, really!”
Now, the two are starring in Four Play, a sharp, funny, and emotionally charged exploration of modern queer relationships. “The show is about a couple, Rafe and Pete, who’ve been together for seven and a half years,” Lewis explains. “To spice things up, they invite their friend Michael to sleep with them—individually. But they don’t tell Michael’s partner, Andy, who I play,” Jo adds. “And then chaos ensues.”
While the premise might sound farcical, the play digs deep. “It’s about open relationships, monogamy, betrayal, queer shame and queer guilt,” says Jo. “But it’s also very funny. It gives you a taste of intimacy, but it’s more about the conversations around it.”
Lewis agrees. “It’s not just a kissy-kissy show. It’s about what happens when you scratch the surface. The rug gets pulled out from under you.”
Brunger has updated the script for this revival, and both actors feel it resonates strongly with today’s audiences. “Non-monogamy is something that’s spoken about a lot more now in queer spaces,” says Jo. “And the fact that we’re all queer actors brings a real authenticity to it.”
That authenticity extends to the rehearsal room. “I didn’t realise how important it was to be in a space with other queer people until I was in this one,” Lewis reflects. “There’s no inhibition. You can be silly, you can be vulnerable, and you know you’re not being judged.”
Jo echoes the sentiment. “It’s a beautiful environment. When you put a marginalised group together with shared but different experiences, it creates a really safe space. It allows people’s guards to come down.”
Though both actors are known for their work in musicals, Four Play marks a return to straight theatre. “I haven’t done a musical in a while,” says Lewis. “But the difference in workload is huge. In musicals, you’re often still figuring out your character on opening night.”
Jo adds, “The writing in this play is so natural and fast-paced. It’s been really hard to learn because it’s so rhythmical. But that’s where our musical theatre background helps—we understand rhythm, which is key for comedy.”
Rehearsals have been filled with laughter. “Most days I’ve been in tears from laughing,” says Jo. “Especially during the serious scenes – we’re trying so hard not to crack up.”
One standout moment? “There’s a choreographed gym routine with big balls,” Lewis laughs. “It’s ridiculous and brilliant.”
As for their characters, both actors relish the emotional stakes. “Andy is always ten steps ahead,” says Jo. “It’s fun to play someone who’s constantly calculating.” Lewis adds, “Rafe lives at 100% intensity. Everything is life or death, and that’s thrilling to play.”
So why should audiences come see Four Play? “If you’ve ever been in a relationship—romantic or platonic—you’ll see yourself in this,” says Jo. “It’s about those moments where you put your feelings aside, or things go unsaid until they explode.”
Lewis agrees. “It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s affirming. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely leave thinking, ‘I didn’t know other people talked about this.’”
And if that’s not enough? “It’s quite short,” Jo grins. “So, you’ll be out in time for a drink at the bar.”
